Facing a critical four-month shutdown starting July 27, tenants and flight schools at Pierce County Airport-Thun Field (KPLU) in South Hill, Washington, are rushing to relocate as the facility begins a $7.18 million federally funded project to replace its aging runway.
“[Runway 17-25] is reaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be reconstructed to remain operational,” said Trent Smith, airport manager with the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department. “This project safeguards a critical county asset. By securing a new 20-to-30-year runway lifespan, this investment eliminates costly emergency repairs and preserves runway access for airport businesses, tenants, pilots, and emergency services.”
The closure was not a surprise to anyone at the airport, but that doesn’t mean the impact won’t be felt. For months businesses, tenants, and pilots have been wondering where they will go and what they will do during the temporary closure…